A number of events have been planned to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Dams Raid, which took place on 16-17 May 1943. The most spectacular will probably be the flypast by the Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight over the Derwent reservoir in Derbyshire on Friday 16 May at 1000. This is a remote area and vehicle access will be ticket only and strictly controlled, but people arriving on foot will be welcomed. Full details and how to apply for a ticket in the ballot here.

The next weekend sees a Dambuster Day at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby. This happens on Saturday 24 May and there will be stalls, lectures and other events including a chance to see Lancaster ‘Just Jane’ performing her taxi runs. Details here. 

The next day, Sunday 25 May, there will be a Spitfire flypast organised by the Spitfire Memorial Museum in Manston, Kent.  There are flying displays by the Kent Spitfire (TA805), Pilatus and Stearman. There will also be other interesting aircraft and military vehicles on static display. Other displays and stalls will include the Thanet ATC Band, book signings (including the one by the author of this site) and the RAF at War re-enactment group. RAF Manston was used by 617 Squadron when they were testing the ‘bouncing bomb’ at nearby Reculver. It is also close to the village of Wickhambreaux in whose churchyard David Maltby is buried. Come along and I will see you there!